Waiting

A decade of waiting

In 2010 we moved from Berkshire to a new church and settled into a new rhythm and pattern of daily life. I was in my forties. I was working as a nurse lecturer in London – travelling most days in and out on trains and tubes and worked one day a week in a local GP practice.

During the first year we lived in the the area I had several chest infections and then pneumonia. My once stable asthma flared up and life became challenging at times. I also managed to contract MRSA- one of the superbugs probably from a patient!It took 3 years to diagnose it and two years to clear it.

Over the next decade my ongoing battle was to remain well, take medication, deal with any exacerbations and keep going. Sometimes I complained to God. There were good and bad days. Most of all i had to learn not to live under the mantle of chronic illness but to live life despite it. Trips to Siberia, Kenya, Indonesia and Uganda for short term mission. To continue working despite feeling rough.

I am so thankful for all my family and friends who have supported me on this journey. I know at times I have not been an easy patient. I am thankful for an NHS that is brilliant with emergencies. The more complex conditions however take time. Clues pieces together, jigsaw pieces of a bigger picture.

This week my consultant was able to tell me why my asthma and other conditions were so challenging. I have an underlying problem medical condition which is an IgM deficiency. questions. As a condition it was only really identified 20 years ago and affects is 0.03 –1% of the population.There is a treatment plan – things that can be done. Answers to a decade of questions.

My response was a day of relief, tears and joys. And I am so fortunate. We serve a God who knows. Nothing surprises Him. I am so grateful to a kind God who has been beside me during a decade of waiting.

I know God can heal in a second and I also know He uses the NHS and people around me. ( I must believe this as I work in it).

God also give us wisdom and strength to help us. And if I don’t hug you because you have a cold know I love you – I just don’t want your bugs!

I entered my fifties this year. I trust the next decade will be another decade of trusting God, of waiting on Him and his strength through the journey ahead.